News Release

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Con Man Previously Sought by Police, Now in Custody

Los Angeles:† A confidence man who had been targeting young Japanese and Korean men in the greater Los Angeles area has been arrested.

On November 17, 2005, West Los Angeles Detectives released information regarding a confidence man who approached young males of Asian descent and convinced them to give him money, jewelry and clothing.

On November 24, 2005, patrol officers from West Los Angeles saw the suspect commit a traffic violation and recognized him from the recent crime bulletin photo. Luca Ripa, 24, was arrested and booked for grand theft.

Detectives believe other people may have been similarly victimized by the suspect.† Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Topete at West Los Angeles Detective Division at 310-444-1565, during normal business hours.† After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855).